A Ryanair passenger, Cormac De Faoite, has been fined €400 for vaping on a flight from Malaga to Cork. De Faoite pleaded guilty at Cork District Court to the single charge brought against him under the Air Navigation and Transport Act. The incident occurred on 5th April 2022, when De Faoite refused to stop vaping despite several requests from the cabin crew. The pilot informed the garda that the defendant was not violent or aggressive towards the cabin crew or passengers. However, his behaviour was deemed to be likely to cause serious offence or annoyance to any person on board the aircraft, and he was fined.
De Faoite was classified as a minor offender, where the maximum penalty was set out in the legislation as £500. The defendant’s defence attorney, Graham Hyde, said the offence in this case was specific to vaping and that people were entitled to drink alcohol on flights. Hyde also clarified that there was no evidence of the passenger being aggressive or abusive.
Judge Olann Kelleher said the incident had to be viewed in terms of the disturbance that might have been caused to passengers during a flight. The court determined that De Faoite’s behaviour was in violation of the Air Navigation and Transport Act.
The aviation industry has been taking an increasingly tough stance on vaping onboard planes due to increased concerns about its impact on air quality and passenger safety. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) banned the use of electronic cigarettes on commercial airlines in 2014. The USA, Europe, Asia, and even some Middle Eastern countries have also imposed similar regulations since.
In conclusion, De Faoite’s conviction and fine serve as a reminder of the increasing restrictions on vaping on planes. Passengers must comply with airline regulations relating to smoking and electronic smoking devices, and failure to do so could result in criminal charges and financial penalties.
